Renault Scenic
Tried-and-tested 2.0 16-valve with solid long-term track record. Always replace the timing belt and cam adjuster together when due. Oil appetite tends to grow past 150,000 km. Well-looked-after examples regularly crack 250,000-300,000 km without drama.
Capable Van
2.0 16V with 135 hp — in the Scenic more about comfort than sport. Capable on the motorway.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The F4R also uses a toothed belt valve timing system. The necessary removal of intake manifold and ignition coils makes the change labour-intensive and expensive — often 600–900 € labour alone.
Symptoms: If belt snaps: sudden engine stop with valve damage
Higher-output F4R engines tend to increased oil consumption at high mileages from coked and stuck piston rings. Regular short full-throttle runs help preventively.
Symptoms: Blue smoke under acceleration and on overrun, dropping oil level
The ignition coils on the F4R 2.0 16V are hidden under the intake manifold. Every coil replacement requires full manifold removal, which drives up repair costs significantly.
Symptoms: Cylinder dropout, rough running, engine warning light, poor refinement
The F4R suffers like all Renault 16V engines of this era from elevated idle speeds caused by a fouled throttle body. Oil deposits from crankcase ventilation block the system.
Symptoms: High idle speed, engine stalling at idle, rough pull-away
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
Blocked water drainage channels lead to water ingress under the driver's seat. This damages the wiring harness and control units. Extensive repairs are the result.
Recall due to failure of the electric parking brake and problems with rear axle weld seams. Electric parking brake can require expensive replacement.
Defective window regulators, boot lid openers, wiper motors and radio systems are classics on the Scenic II. Instrument cluster unit fails; inexpensive repair available. Control units damaged by moisture.
Tie rod ends and suspension components are frequently flagged at vehicle inspections. Wheel bearings are also prone to failure and springs occasionally break.
The instrument cluster and speedo can fail completely, frequently due to solder joint defects on the circuit board. Reconditioning by specialists is possible; new parts are expensive and increasingly hard to find.
Rear brakes on the Scenic II wear quickly and require regular maintenance. Rear disc brakes are sensitive, especially when the brake is rarely used.
Seats squeak and the synthetic leather upholstery wears above-average quickly. Interior quality defects are a known issue with this generation.
The blower motor resistor fails frequently; the blower then only works on the highest setting or not at all. Replacing the resistor is an inexpensive repair but is often diagnosed late.
